Maximum Warp 01: Maximum Warp by Dave Galanter; Greg Brodeur

Author:Dave Galanter; Greg Brodeur
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Science-Fiction:Star Trek
ISBN: 9780671047498
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: 2001-02-27T10:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC 1701E Romulan Space Sector 87

“auxiliary power. Reinforce those starboard shields. Status of the brig?” Picard grappled with the slice of inner bulkhead that had collapsed in his way. Just how the Romulan warbird had been able to catch up so quickly, he wasn’t sure. But again, he wondered if all of this was some Romulan ruse.

“Damage to that deck and the two surrounding decks, sir. No hull breaches, but internal structural collapse in some areas.”

The captain grunted as he moved a large ceiling plate from his path. “I can see that, Number One. Where is the warbird now?”

“They fell behind again, but we’re leaking a trail of coolant that won’t dissipate soon.”

“Understood. Picard out” Suddenly the debris was much lighter in Picard’s hands, and he turned to find Spock helping heft it out of the way. “Ambassador.”

“Spock will suffice, Captain.”

“I appreciate the help, Spock, but—”

“Neither of us should logically be here, Captain. Most certainly we should let damage control crews clear the debris between here and your brig. With your permission, I will not wait.”

“Are you saying you’re doing something illogical?”

“Impractical, perhaps.”

“The practical isn’t the logical?”

“Ofttimes not.”

Picard couldn’t help but smile as Spock lifted the last large part of the ceiling that had been blocking the corridor. Here was this man, this Starfleet legend, this Vulcan statesman, clearing rubbish from a collapsing ceiling, debating philosophy, and not even breaking a sweat.

“It might be practical,” Spock continued as he and Picard stepped over the downed wire and insulation dust that littered the hallway, “to let those who are qualified clear the corridor. But I can think of nothing more logical than assuming T’sart is uninjured and working against his harried guards, and therefore we should attend at once.”

The captain could not help but agree. T’sart was suddenly very important. If he, in fact, knew what the dead zones were and why … Picard’s only problem was that

T’sart had shown Spock only limited proof. Enough proof that Spock believed the Romulan, but not enough to answer all questions. Picard wanted to see that data, and more. And if T’sart was dead, perhaps the data would be lost with him.

What an odd position Picard had found himself in … hoping a mass murderer was alive and well.

One last corner turned, and the brig expanded before them. Twelve large cells, each protected by transporter resistant materials and battery-backed-up force field doors. T’sart’s was still intact, his guards unconscious under a collapsed support beam that had fallen. The beam now leaned onto the doorway, its end being held up by the sizzling electro-field that locked T’sart into his cell.

“A few more days and that would drain the field completely,” Picard muttered.

“I should protest formally,” T’sart said as the captain and Spock approached. “Surely you have better accommodations for guests than a collapsing brig.”

“For guests, yes.” Picard checked one of the panels outside the shielded archway that opened into T’sart’s cell. He turned to Spock. “Radiation leaks. We have to evacuate this whole section.

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